Ash Flies High (Kimberley Kickers, #3)

A footy adventure story based on Ash Johnson's life by award-winning authors Carl Merrison and Hakea Hustler. Jy Goes for Gold (Book 1) was a CBCA Notable book in 2025.

I reach out and snatch the footy ...

I sense where the goals are...

I position myself, put the ball on my boot for a snap kick and it sails through the goals.

It's my FIRST GAME in AFL and I just scored my FIRST GOAL.

I've made it.

I'm (Little) Ash Johnson and the dream I had to play professional Aussie Rules footy since I was a kid in outback Halls Creek has finally come true.

If you like the sound of:

Water balloon battles! Mud and cows! Playing Aussie Rules footy! Waterhole diving!

... then you will LOVE my story!

A footy adventure story based on Ash Johnson's life by award-winning authors Carl Merrison and Hakea Hustler.

About the Author

Carl Merrison is a respected Jaru/Kija man who came WA runner up Australian of the Year - Local Hero in 2016. He worked for over ten years alongside Aboriginal youth as a mentor and coach in education, AFL and community. Carl, along with co-writer Hakea Hustler, is an award-winning author of the books Black Cockatoo (CBCA Young Reader Honour Book), Tracks of the Missing, Dirran, Beautiful Night, Loved You Then and My Deadly Boots.,

Hakea Hustler is an experienced teacher who has taught around Australia including in remote Aboriginal communities. Hakea believes in the power of stories for empowerment, learning and change. Hakea, along with co-writer Carl Merrison, is an award-winning author of the books Black Cockatoo (CBCA Young Reader Honour Book), Tracks of the Missing, Dirran, Beautiful Night, Loved You Then and My Deadly Boots.,

Ash Johnson started his AFL journey running around the red dirt; chasing goanna, running after big brothers, dodging cheeky dogs, and playing 'It'. These life experiences taught him to take big leaps, big marks and kick deadly goals. Ash is from large families across the Kimberley region of Western Australia so there was always someone to play with or hunt with or practice footy with. Ash's footy dream took him all around Australia: to the Claremont Football Club WA, Northern Wangaratta in Victoria, Scotch College and Sturt teams in South Australia. This wealth of experience both in life and in footy teams lead to Ash being drafted into Collingwood Football Club as a forward line player. Ash is passionate about being a role-model for other outback kids who want to chase big dreams; whether they be sport or another passion. ,

Samantha Campbell is a children's book illustrator and graphic designer. She is descended from the Dagoman people and lives in Mparntwe (Alice Springs) with her family. She draws from inspiration from her childhood growing up in remote Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory.